You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor

Posted on Sat, Jul 27, 2013 : 10 a.m.

Arbor Hospice seeks volunteers to help comfort patients

By Amy Biolchini

Arbor Hospice at 2366 Oak Valley Drive in Ann Arbor.

Joseph Tobianski I AnnArbor.com file photo

Arbor Hospice in Ann Arbor is seeking volunteers to provide comfort and companionship to patients with terminal illnesses.

Volunteers are used in numerous ways by Arbor Hospice. They can provide companionship to patients by sitting with them, reading books to them and playing music, as well as helping staff with the pet therapy program and office filing.

A round of mandatory training sessions are about to begin. The training sessions total 18 hours and fully prepare volunteers to assist patients.

For volunteers interested in helping at The Residence of Arbor Hospice at 2366 Oak Valley Drive in Ann Arbor, there are two series of training sessions available:

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19, 21 and 26, as well as 1 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 28

5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21, 23, 28 and 30

For volunteers interested in helping patients within their homes, the following training session is available:

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 23, 26, 30 and Oct. 3

The only requirement for volunteers is that they complete the training sessions and have not experienced a death of a loved one within the past year. Arbor Hospice conducts background checks of all its volunteers.

Comments

Hospice is truly a beautiful thing. I hope they find all the volunteers they need.

A2BAC

Sat, Jul 27, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.

I couldn't agree more. This is such a worthy use of your life. My dad was a beneficiary of hospice last fall - which was all the difference to me. Hard to explain but if it hadn't been for a random comment by a hospice person ... well - it was wonderful. You can be that person too. If I lived in Ann Arbor now I would sign up ASAP.